speakers &creatives
We’re bringing the minds behind the movement. Our creatives and panelists include bold founders, beauty innovators, policy change makers, and cultural tastemakers—each sharing their expertise on the future of beauty. From brand-building to wellness, funding to formulation, these voices will cover what it really takes to grow, scale, and lead in today’s beauty space.
Amanda Moreno
The Nail Saloon
A native of Honduras, Amanda joined the nailsaloon in 2014 and has been a driving force behind its growth ever since. As Chief Operating Officer, she leads the execution of company strategy, oversees day-to-day operations, and manages all aspects of administration. Amanda collaborates closely with our General Managers and their teams across all locations to ensure they are aligned, supported, and set up for success. She spearheads initiatives to strengthen systems, enhance efficiency, and uphold a culture rooted in excellence, kindness, and generosity. With a deep understanding of both team dynamics and the client journey, she ensures that leadership decisions translate into purposeful, measurable impact across the salons.
Milan Scott
Keseana Cosmetic Labs
Milan Scott, known as The Cosmescientist, is the founder and CEO of Keseana Cosmetic Labs, a cutting-edge cosmetic R&D lab based in the Baltimore area. She holds a Master of Science in Cosmetic Chemistry and specializes in developing innovative skincare, hair care, and beauty formulations. Milan’s expertise spans product development, ingredient sourcing, cosmetic testing, and regulatory compliance. Through her lab, she helps beauty brands bring bold, high-performance products to market. Her personal brand, The Cosmescientist, champions the idea that science is sexy, especially for young people of color interested in STEM. She founded the Keseana STEM Scholarship to support high school seniors pursuing science-based careers. Milan is a 2022 30 Under 30 Changemaker Award recipient and serves on the Cosmetic Chemist Board of Advisors for Prequel Skin. She’s been featured in The Sun, Refinery29, and New Beauty Magazine for her work at the intersection of beauty, culture, and innovation.
Dr. Nikki
Zen in a Jar and Zen in a Studio
Dr. Nikki Brooks Seevers is the founder of Zen in a Jar a luxury indie wellness brand that focuses on fragrance storytelling and emotional wellness while celebrating Black culture. Located in District Heights, MD, her brick-and-mortar store, The Zen Studio, serves a global community with signature blends designed to promote joy and intentional living. Zen in a Jar has gained recognition as a seven-figure brand, offering everything from fragrant mosquito repellents to custom-blended perfumes. The Zen Studio also acts as a community hub, providing free pop shop slots for small businesses and private shopping experiences.
Jazmin Walker
J. Elite
Jazmin is the Lead Esthetician and Owner of ALL J. Elite. She is a Licensed Senior Esthetician, Master Lash Artist, PMU Artist, and current Student Nurse BSN, RN)with a focus of Dermatology and Aesthetics. With over 8 years in the beauty industry—and more than 6 years as a licensed esthetician—she brings unmatched expertise, a passion for results, and a constant drive to stay at the top of her field through ongoing education and advanced training. Jazmin is known for her ability to work confidently with all skin types, and she specializes in treating all ethnicities and melanated skin with care, precision, and intention. Her services include result-driven facial treatments, precision lash artistry, and natural-looking brow solutions. Clients appreciate that she not only delivers visible results but also educates them every step of the way—without overwhelming routines or complicated skincare plans. Her professional, honest, and client-focused approach creates an experience that’s both empowering and transformative.
Erin Alice Garnes
@theesperanzamaria
Erin, is a 30-year-old DMV-born and raised Lifestyle, Wellness, Beauty, and Fashion content creator. Over the last almost 10 years, Erin has used her platform to advocate for mental health, share her love for fashion, and provide her knowledge of the hair and beauty world to her community. As a Mass Communication major in college and having a genuine love for visual and written art, Erin has always been intrigued by the creative world. Putting her life experience and talents to work, Erin consistently provides dynamic and engaging campaigns to partners such as Nike, Sephora, Target, and countless other brands.
LaceMeBaby
@lacemebaby
Nicole Ethridge is a wig influencer, former wig maker, and advocate dedicated to helping Black women take control of their hair journeys and embrace beauty on their own terms. After experiencing traction alopecia herself, Nicole began sharing her story online, documenting her hair regrowth journey with minoxidil, and offering real-life advice for women dealing with hair loss. Through her platform, she creates beginner-friendly wig tutorials, focuses on affordable and classy styles, and champions the message that beauty should be accessible, honest, and empowering. Her work centers on alopecia awareness, education, and helping Black women feel confident, beautiful, and self-sufficient.
Lexx Toatley
Complexx Beauty
Alexis Toatley is a licensed cosmetologist in Maryland and Virginia with over 13 years of experience. She is the founder of Complexx Beauty LLC, a salon and lifestyle brand dedicated to helping women look and feel their best through expert hair care and holistic beauty. A proud Washington, DC native and Hampton University graduate, Alexis specializes in high-density blowouts, natural installs, and healthy hair maintenance. Her salon in Clinton, Maryland is a safe space for transformation—where beauty, wellness, and confidence meet. Through her work with Complexx Hair, mentorship, and real conversations about mental health and self-worth, Alexis empowers women to reclaim their beauty from the inside out—one head of hair at a time.
Serina Lilliane
Hair on Canvas
Serina – Liberian-American Hair Artist | Hair on Canvas Based in Miami, Serina is a Liberian-American hairstylist with over 15 years of experience in braiding and hairstyling. Her journey took a transformative turn during the six years she spent living in Liberia and Sierra Leone, where she not only refined her braiding techniques but also cultivated her passion for loc styling and avant-garde, editorial hair design—using hair as a means of storytelling and cultural expression. Through her platform Hair on Canvas, Serina explores hair as a form of artistic medium of expression, celebrating its power to convey identity, emotion, and culture and creativity. Her work has been featured on global stages including Paris Fashion Week 2024, Miami Swim Week 2025, and Afro Nation festivals in both Miami (2023) and Detroit (2024) where she has styled Rema’s band and team during his U.S. tour.
Jade Griffin
Thevividexperience
Jade Griffin is a dynamic celebrity, lifestyle, and event photographer and videographer known for capturing powerful, story-driven visuals that elevate brands and moments. With a creative lens grounded in authenticity and excellence, Jade has documented some of the most high-profile cultural and sports events across the country, including the 2023 and 2025 Super Bowl Media Weeks, Blavity Fest 2025, Melanin Money's Wealth Weekend, the 2025 NFL Combine, and the 2024 NFL Draft. Her work seamlessly blends cinematic storytelling with candid emotion—making her a sought-after creative partner for public figures, entrepreneurs, and global brands alike. Whether she's behind the scenes with athletes on the biggest stage or spotlighting vibrant Black-owned businesses, Jade’s vision brings energy, culture, and connection into every frame. With a reputation for professionalism, creativity, and visual excellence, Jade continues to build a powerful portfolio that reflects both legacy and impact—one shot at a time.
Khadijah Corrie
@About.Khadijah
MISTERSS OF CEREMONIES
Hailing from Prince George’s County, Maryland, Khadijah Corrie is a proud 2016 graduate from Virginia Union University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneur Management. During her time at VUU, she served as the 87th Miss Virginia Union University 2015-2016 and became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated — continuing her service with the Rho Mu Omega Chapter in Washington, DC. She furthered her education by earning an MBA in Marketing from Washington Adventist University in 2020. A woman of grace and poise, she competed for Miss Maryland USA, earning the title of Miss Congeniality in 2021. A seasoned multi media personality and entertainment and radio host with over 10 years of experience in captivating and engaging audiences through the power of communication. Skilled in hosting, live broadcasting, podcasting, content creation, panel discussions, and interviews, she excels at creating meaningful connections with diverse audiences across various platforms. With a strong on-air and on- line presence with WLIT106 Radio and Parlay with the Princess Podcast a talent for delivering high-quality content, she aims to continue inspiring, educating, and entertaining while expanding her reach in the media industry.
Shaye Sherod-Bost
The Boujie Lifestyle Suites
Deshayla aka Shaye is the owner of The Boujie Lifestyle Suites, a co-working space for entrepreneurs in the DMV. She launched her salon suite business after her boutique outgrew her basement office. When she began looking for a public space, she did not want to take on the cost of overhead, so she decided to build her own.
One of the biggest lessons Shaye learned along the way is that, at the very least, it is worth taking the time to learn how to do things the right way. She currently has two locations and opened her third in May 2025.
Dr. Tracey
AcARRE Beauty
Dr. Tracey, Founder, CEO and Chief Chemist of AcARRE, Founder of Ready To Launch and COO of Yeleen Beauty Makerspace comes from a long line of entrepreneurs from her Grandmother, Parents, Aunts and even sisters, so it is only natural for her to flourish in her own right at creating multi-use beauty products. Dr. Tracey is an award winning, driven entrepreneur, accomplished product developer and esteemed chemical engineer and marketer with 22 years of experience in innovation fulfilling consumer desires. Creatively, she enjoys brainstorming on innovative ideas that have a direct impact on consumers and the influence that drives those changes. Taking her aspirations to another level allows her to pursue her passion every day. When Tracey isn’t pursuing her passion, you can find her traveling with her family and friends.
Montie Green
Velvet Wax & Beauty
Montrelle -Montie- Green is a licensed Cosmetologist, Certified Project Management Professional and owner of VELVET Wax and Beauty. With over 10 years of experience in the beauty and hair care industry, VELVET is now expanding. Velvet Wax and Beauty was founded in May 2014 as a full body waxing and sugaring studio with one goal in mind: To make men and women feel like they have “Skin so smooth, they think it’s VELVET.” VELVET now has two brick and mortar stores and a mobile waxing truck. Montie has taught over 50 certified Sugarists and teaches advanced hair removal methods, business and project management courses. Montie loves to share insights on entrepreneurship, beauty and business with accelerating professionals. Montie holds a B.A. in Public Relations from Howard University and a MBA from the University of Maryland. As a former published beauty writer, she has worked with brands such as Johnson and Johnson, Essence Magazine and McDonald’s. Montie’s beauty publications have been seen on Essence.com,Styleblazer.com and MadameNoire.com.
Akua
Friends in Beauty
Akua Robinson is an Award-Winning Makeup Artist, Beauty Educator & Podcaster from Washington, D.C. and the creator of Friends in Beauty. She created Friends in Beauty to share her love for networking and to create a safe space for beauty industry creatives to connect, network, and build genuine relationships. Akua's 12 year journey in the beauty industry has afforded her countless opportunities to which she credits the power of networking. She has worked on productions from Love & Hip Hop, Love & Marriage DC to Real Housewives of Potomac as well as with brands such as Stila, AJ Crimson Beauty, Mented Cosmetics, Danessa Myricks Beauty, and many more. When she's not teaching her Makeup 101 students at Bennett Career Institute, serving her community or her treasured clients, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her beloved fur baby/cat, Kash.
Brittany
Project Beauty Expo
Brittany is an experiential entrepreneur committed to building inclusive ecosystems and championing underrepresented voices within the beauty industry. Since 2016, she has nurtured an engaged online community of beauty founders and professionals, creating space for connection, collaboration, and collective growth. That same year, she founded Project Beauty Expo PBE, a pioneering platform dedicated to elevating women of color in indie beauty and wellness. Through PBE, Brittany has cultivated powerful industry relationships, facilitated brand visibility, and celebrated the creativity and resilience of diverse founders navigating a competitive market. Her passion for equity and access extends beyond events. As a consultant, Brittany advises emerging e-commerce brands on how to position themselves strategically while staying rooted in purpose. She has also collaborated with leading companies like Target, Google, and Amazon to advance diversity-forward initiatives within the retail and tech sectors. Through every project, Brittany remains focused on building pathways for sustainable success and ensuring that beauty remains a space where all voices can be seen, heard, and valued.
Marriah Jones
MIAA Beauty Institute
Marriah Jones is an entrepreneur, educator, and visionary reshaping the future of beauty and vocational education. She is the founder of MIAA Beauty Institute, the first beauty school of its kind in Prince George’s County, and co-founder of the AAIM Beauty Innovators Summit, where she brings together leaders, professionals, and students to reimagine innovation in the beauty industry.
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Marriah has spoken on national stages including the Broccoli City Festival and Roots Picnic Roots Con, and has been featured on panels for workforce development, women’s empowerment, and youth entrepreneurship. Through her work, she has trained hundreds of students, raised thousands in scholarships, and built pathways that merge creativity, business, and community impact.
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When she’s not building businesses or speaking on stage, Marriah loves exploring new cultures, spending time with her husband and five children, and mentoring her students at MIAA. She’s most proud of the confidence she instills in her students — helping them see possibilities in themselves they didn’t know existed.
Folasade Ogunmokun
UnSkrypted
Folasade Ogunmokun is the driving force behind Unskrypted, a groundbreaking shoppable streaming network. From igniting creative collaborations to redefining Black narratives, her path has been marked by a relentless pursuit of change.
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Folasade's story began with a childhood fascination for the magic of television, which blossomed into a commitment to amplify underrepresented voices. This journey took her from crafting regional TV shows to studying Television Production at Howard University, where she embraced the rich diversity of Black media.
Imani
AAIM Beauty Innovators
Imani Elle -Lewis- is a visionary strategist and creative powerhouse shaping the future of beauty, wellness, and innovation. As Co-Founder of the AAIM Beauty Innovators Summit and Chief Marketing and Partnerships Officer at MIAA Beauty Institute, she turns bold ideas into lasting impact and measurable growth. With 15 years as a licensed cosmetologist and 12 years in brand marketing and business operations, Imani brings rare versatility to strategy, storytelling, and execution. Her work spans New York Fashion Week, beauty campaigns, and transformational brand launches, blending deep industry expertise with sharp operational leadership.
At MIAA, Imani advances access through partnerships and the Beauty Access Fund, positioning the institute as a training ground for the next generation. Through AAIM, she curates conversations on innovation, ownership, wellness, and culture that elevate emerging talent and strengthen the beauty ecosystem. Across her ventures, Imani translates strategy into impact and continues to define what legacy building looks like in beauty and beyond.
Wanika Fisher, Esq
Prince George's County Council | District 2
Wanika B. Fisher is a dedicated advocate for safety and justice in Prince George's County, and she is ready to take her commitment to the next level as your State’s Attorney. As the current Council Member for District 2 and Chair of Health, Human Services, and Public Safety, Wanika has tirelessly focused on creating policies that uplift and protect Prince George’s County.
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Raised by immigrant parents of Nigerian and South Asian descent, Wanika's passion for public service ignited at a young age—she began advocating for safer sidewalks for children in her neighborhood. In 2018, she made history as the first-generation African immigrant elected from Prince George's County. Since then, she has continued to break barriers and champion the rights of all community members.
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In her professional life, Wanika is a private attorney specializing in criminal defense, bringing valuable firsthand experience. She holds a Bachelor of Arts, with honors, in Government and Politics and African American Studies from the University of Maryland College Park, and earned her Juris Doctor from the Pennsylvania State University, Dickinson School of Law.
Nita Greenfield
Zilian Wax
Anita is the Founder of Her Wax Life, Owner of ZilianWax, a full-service waxing studio and Zilian Studio. She began her beauty career as a part-time waxer at a popular franchise, simply looking for an extra source of income. What started as a side job quickly became a calling, inspiring her to leave her 9-to-5 and dive headfirst into entrepreneurship. Over five years later, Anita has built a thriving business and never looked back. Today, she operates ZilianWax, providing a comfortable, welcoming space for women to receive professional hair removal services, and Zilian Studio, offering a professional home for beauty entrepreneurs to grow their own businesses. She also coaches beauty professionals on client retention, growth strategies, and business policies. Known for her gentle waxing technique, she has built a loyal clientele of over 200 monthly clients and continues to set a standard for excellence in the industry. Anita’s mission is to help beauty professionals not only get clients but keep them turning one-time appointments into long-term relationships. She believes that entrepreneurship is like a game of endurance: success belongs to those willing to stay in it and give their all. Her philosophy is simple life is too short for “what ifs.” Take the leap, embrace the risks, and create the life you envision.
Jasmine Forbes
Program Coordination
With years of professional experience in economic development and a proven track record as a dedicated community volunteer, Jasmine has built meaningful relationships across diverse circles. Passionate about civic engagement and enhancing quality of life, she brings both leadership and heart to everything she does. Beyond her professional and volunteer work, she is also a talented photographer whose artistry lies in capturing raw, authentic emotions and telling powerful stories through her lens.